Casualties unknown

Pilot executes go-around on final approach; aircraft collides with power line and hangsar (N80355)

Hendersonville, NC, US

On February 11, 2003, a Cessna 172 (registration N80355) was involved in an aviation accident near Hendersonville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the approach in deteriorating wind conditions, which led to a go-around where the right main gear struck a power line. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a go-around due to crosswind conditions during landing, resulting in the aircraft striking a power line and subsequently impacting an airport hangar before coming to rest on the ground.

What happened

The pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 14, the airplane encountered crosswinds with gusts reaching 16 knots. During the landing flare, the wind direction shifted, creating a quartering tailwind condition. In response to these changing weather conditions, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around maneuver.

During the execution of the go-around, the right main landing gear struck a power line. This collision caused the airplane to nosed over and subsequently impact an airport hangar. The aircraft then descended and impacted the ground.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical or flight control malfunctions prior to the impact. No other mechanical issues were identified in the available narrative.

Findings

  • Crosswinds gusting up to 16 knots during final approach
  • Quartering tailwind during landing flare
  • Go-around maneuver initiated by pilot
  • Right main gear collision with power line
  • Nosed over and impacted hangar
  • No mechanical or flight control malfunctions reported

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the approach in deteriorating wind conditions, which led to a go-around where the right main gear struck a power line.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Feb 2003 Cessna 172 accident near Hendersonville, NC?

A pilot attempted a go-around due to crosswind conditions during landing, resulting in the aircraft striking a power line and subsequently impacting an airport hangar before coming to rest on the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 172, registration N80355, at Hendersonville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the approach in deteriorating wind conditions, which led to a go-around where the right main gear struck a power line.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030213X00214. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.